Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic
17 Days Starting and ending in Toronto
Visiting: Toronto, Resolute, Beechey Island, Smith Sound, Qaanaaq, Uummannaq, Eqip Sermia, Kangerlussuaq
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BQMWE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 200
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
8-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Cruise on waters that few have sailed and set foot on lands that even fewer have walked on this 17-day expedition in the High Arctic. This epic adventure will have you hiking over permafrost, searching for wildlife and passing by fjords, glaciers and icebergs on a daily basis. Follow the coast and discover places where explorers of old met their demise, research stations abandoned and active, tiny Inuit communities and ruins left by their ancient predecessors. Go west to Greenland and see colourful villages beneath massive mountains, hike to glaciers and kayak past icebergs. Tackle the icy wilderness in a comfortable expedition vessel and a team of expert leaders.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Toronto
Location: Toronto
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Welcome to Toronto, Canada. You can arrive at any time today and make your way to the pre-expedition accommodation. There, you will receive a welcome letter outlining times and further details about your charter flight to the Arctic tomorrow morning. Tonight, you may like to meet with an expedition representative in the hotel lobby, who can answer any questions you may have about your adventure. Until then, enjoy the sights of Toronto or simply relax in your accommodation.
Day 2 : Resolute – Embarkation Day
Location: Resolute
Accommodation: Cruise Ship
Meals Included: No Meals
This morning, board your charter flight to Resolute. Upon arrival, you may have the chance to walk around this little Inuit hamlet before enjoying your first of many Zodiac cruises as you’re transferred to your expedition vessel. Meet your crew and settle into your cabin.
Day 3 : Canadian High Arctic
Location: Beechey Island
Accommodation: Cruise Ship
Meals Included: No Meals
Begin your polar voyage in the Northwest Passage as you pass by the same icy inlets, channels and bays that have fascinated explorers since the 17th century and have been home to Inuit communities for even longer. Although no strict itinerary is set, your expedition could include cruising to Beechey Island, the final resting place of three members of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845–46 expedition, learning the local way of life in Arctic Bay, setting foot on Devon Island for a number of hiking opportunities, spotting walruses in the waters of Croker Bay, searching for musk oxen in Dundas Harbour or learning of hunting and fishing traditions in Grise Fjord. As you travel through sections of the Passage, let your expert polar crew take you on unforgettable Zodiac and helicopter sightseeing and landing trips to visit areas that are otherwise inaccessible to humans. In between shore visits, scenic cruising and optional adventure activities, appreciate the onboard amenities of your polar vessel and enjoy a series of lectures presented by Arctic experts.
Day 7 : Smith Sound
Location: Smith Sound
Accommodation: Cruise Ship
Meals Included: No Meals
Before saying goodbye to Canada, you will cruise as far north as possible, exploring both sides of the spectacular Smith Sound – the uninhabited passage between Ellesmere Island and Greenland.
Day 9 : Qaanaaq
Location: Qaanaaq
Accommodation: Cruise Ship
Meals Included: No Meals
Today, stop in Qaanaaq, Greenland. Formerly known as Thule – in ancient philosophy, it was Ultima Thule, or ‘edge of known territory’ – this is the main town in north-western Greenland. On shore, you will spend time learning about local Inuit culture and traditions, perhaps visiting the town’s museum.
Day 10 : At Sea
Location: Qaanaaq
Accommodation: Cruise Ship
Meals Included: No Meals
Back on board, journey south along the coast of Greenland with time spent at sea. During the day, there will be a number of presentations and lectures from your onboard experts to explain some of the incredible geography, wildlife and histories you have experienced, plus prepare you for the adventures and locations that lie ahead. In your leisure time, perhaps get to know your fellow voyagers over a drink in the onboard lounge, or make use of the spa and wellness facilities.
Day 11 : West Greenland
Location: Uummannaq, Eqip Sermia
Accommodation: Cruise Ship
Meals Included: No Meals
Over the next four days, continue to explore Greenland’s west, with a flexible itinerary to account for the varying weather and ice conditions. You may have the chance to admire the twin peaks of the mountain that towers over Uummannaq, visit the archaeological site of Qilaqitsoq, and cruise towards the impressive blue-hued Eqip Sermia glacier. Take a Zodiac past icebergs such as Sermeq Kujalleq, listening out for breaking ice crashing into the waters below. Air, land and sea excursions are all a possibility here, and your expert team will be monitoring the conditions to ensure wildlife and sightseeing opportunities are maximised.
Day 16 : Kangerlussuaq – Disembarkation Day – Toronto
Location: Kangerlussuaq, Toronto
Accommodation: Cruise Ship
Meals Included: No Meals
This morning, journey towards Kangerlussuaq and farewell your expedition crew as you take a Zodiac ride to shore. Here, you will board your charter flight back to Toronto, Canada. Upon arrival, transfer as a group to your post-expedition accommodation. Depending on timing, you may have the opportunity to visit Toronto at your leisure this evening.
Day 17 : Toronto
Location: Toronto
Meals Included: No Meals
With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart at any time as your tour comes to an end.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Expedition Cruise Ship, Comfortable Hotel
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Transport
Ship, Zodiac, Plane
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Meals
No meals are included on this tour
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Included Activities
Transport
- Ship , Zodiac , Plane
Accommodation
- Expedition Cruise Ship, Comfortable Hotel
Check out our Q&As
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Are internal flights included in this tour?
Yes, Toronto to
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.
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